Police officer commended for life-saving action

By JANE LOPES

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southcoasttoday.com

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Posted Nov. 8, 2012 at 1:42 PM

Posted Nov. 8, 2012 at 1:42 PM

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By JANE LOPES

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MIDDLEBORO — Police Officer Michael Lonergan earned a commendation from his chief and the selectmen — and more importantly the gratitude of an 11-year-old girl and her parents — as a result of his quick action in response to an emergency call recently.

Officer Lonergan, who was appointed to the force last year, was the first to arrive at a Silo Lane home early one morning in August following an E911 call. He found the young girl was not breathing, and immediately began "rescue breathing."

The chief submitted a request to the selectmen for a commendation for Officer Lonergan, accompanied by a note from the young woman whose life the officer may have saved.

Dear Officer Lonergan," Noelle wrote. "Thank you so much for saving my life. I don't remember what happened but my parents told me I was in bad shape. I am doing fine now and I am grateful for people like you."

"It's an unbelievable story," Selectman Stephen McKinnon, who was acting as chairman Monday night, said as the board voted enthusiastically to approve the commendation.

"You're quite comfortable dealing with a lot of situations we wouldn't be comfortable with, although you're clearly not comfortable with this," Mr. McKinnon told Officer Lonergan, who appeared reluctant to come forward during the meeting.

After the vote, Officer Lonergan said he was overwhelmed by his experience with the young girl, and pleased that he could not only help her but demonstrate the positive work that police do.

"Sometimes your seen as the bad guy," he said. "The letter from her was the most touching part."

At the start of Monday night's meeting, board members noted the absence of Chairman Al Rullo, whose mother Gloria died on Sunday. A moment of silence was observed.

Later in the meeting, the board approved the transfer of a liquor license and change of manager at the Riverside Restaurant to Boston Tavern. Dennis Barbato, the new manager and a partner in the new restaurant, said Boston Tavern should be opening in late January or early February. This will be the second Boston Tavern restaurant; another is located in West Bridgewater, Mr. Barbato said.

Mr. Barbato, a limited partner in East Bay Grille and the South Shore Restaurant Group in Plymouth, said he and his partner, Peter Morrissey, expect to pass papers next month on the property currently owned by David Fisher.

There will be a full-service restaurant and lounge, and catering and function service will continue, Mr. Barbato said.